In the remote Kalahari region of Botswana, the indigenous San people have cultivated a profound connection to the land over centuries. As traditional hunter-gatherers, they’ve honed tracking skills that are as much a part of their identity as their ancestral stories. However, the pressures of modernity — poverty, dislocation, and the erosion of cultural practices — threaten this way of life.

Despite these challenges, a resurgence is underway, and women are at its forefront. Thanks to a collaborative programme between Akashinga and Kalahari Research and Conservation (KRC), a new generation of Tswana trackers is reclaiming this ancient craft. Importantly, in keeping with the San culture’s long-standing egalitarian values, half of these trackers are women.

In August 2023, Tracker Academy South Africa conducted an intensive two-night tracking course at Nakalatshephe and Name pan campsites in KD2, a community bordering the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Sixteen aspiring trackers — eight women and eight men — participated, demonstrating exceptional potential. These sessions built upon earlier training programmes from 2020 and 2023, further solidifying the participants' skills.

Tracking is more than a practical skill; it is a bridge between past and present. While once integral to survival, it now offers opportunities in conservation and eco-tourism, sectors crucial to the region’s sustainable future.

For the women involved, the training transcends skill-building — it’s a step toward independence and career advancement. Each female tracker expressed pride in mastering technical abilities traditionally dominated by men. They also voiced a shared hope: to see more women joining the field, gaining confidence, and supporting their families.

This aligns with Akashinga’s mission to foster women’s leadership in conservation. By prioritising female inclusion, the programme reflects the spirit of San culture, where women were historically equal contributors to their communities.

KRC's Founder and CEO, Glyn Maude, emphasizes the importance of sustained efforts: “We need to harness this momentum for the women and provide training until they can comfortably operate independently.” The programme’s success highlights the potential for a broader transformation, where women become key players in conservation, helping preserve the Kalahari’s unique ecosystem and heritage.